100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Lucette Mercer, deputy director of the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
The GRRO, started by Henderson residents Henry Crews and Ardis Crews, is a part of the NC Rural Center’s Rural Food Business Assistance Project. This program offers technical training to agribusinesses and builds networks to support local farmers, value-added processors and foodservice businesses.
Partnering with city and federal agencies, the GRRO connects unemployed individuals to construction jobs that restore dilapidated homes and turn vacant lots into micro-farms that feed the community.
Mercer discussed Wellness on Wheels, the most recent initiative of the GRRO, in partnership with Vance County organizations to offer free, healthy meals for local children every Tuesday – Friday through at least August 31, 2020.
“We provide hot, healthy meals to kids 18 and younger in the community, free of charge, no questions asked and no issues,” explained Mercer. “You simply show up at the times and locations promoted and tell us how many kids you’re picking up meals for. We’re trying to find meals that are healthy, that kids want to eat and that parents feel really good about giving their kids.”
Grab-and-Go meals will be available Tuesday-Friday at the following locations and times:
- Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity ~ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ Location: 180 S. Beckford Drive, Henderson
- Oasis of Hope Ministries ~ 12 – 1 p.m. ~ Location: 2495 US Hwy 1/158, Henderson
- Cotton Memorial Presbyterian Church ~ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ Location: 511 N. Chestnut St., Henderson
- Knoll Terrace Mobile Home Park ~ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ 1261 Americal Rd., Henderson
Mercer said what started as 150 available meals has turned into 500 distributed daily as of this afternoon. That number will soar to 2,000 meals at this Friday’s event as organizers distribute enough meals to feed participating youth for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
“As more and more people are made aware of this resource in the community and, importantly, realize that it is a healthy food resource, more people are coming to us to fill that gap of getting good meals for their kids,” said Mercer.
For more information on the GRRO, and to stay up-to-date on its programs and events, please visit its Facebook page (click here).
To hear the interview with Mercer in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Cameron Ford Breedlove Named KVA Varsity Girls Tennis Coach
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Kerr Vance Academy has named alumna Cameron Ford Breedlove coach of its varsity girls tennis team.
Breedlove played on the KVA tennis team her seventh through twelfth-grade years and said she was “excited to be back as the coach.” Upon graduating KVA, Breedlove attended William Peace University in Raleigh.
Breedlove said former classmate George Hoyle, Jr., who now serves as athletic director for KVA, knew of her love for tennis and reached out when the coaching position became available.
Losing five seniors to graduation last year, Breedlove will have her work cut out for her coaching a younger team limited in practice ability due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With four girls returning, Breedlove hopes to recruit more players for the upcoming season.
“The team is younger; however, these are very talented girls with great skills who have been playing for a while,” Breedlove said.
To hear the interview with Breedlove in its entirety, click on the play button above.
Kerr Vance Academy has named alumna Cameron Ford Breedlove coach of its varsity girls tennis team.
Home and Garden Show 07/21/20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com on Tuesday at 4:30 PM.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 07/22/20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
Town Talk 07/22/20: H-V Rec. Department Discusses What’s Open, What’s Closed
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Tara Goolsby, program superintendent for the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Goolsby discussed what is still open to the public and what is temporarily closed as it relates to the H-V Rec. Department and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
07/22/20 (H-V Rec & Parks Tara Goolsby)
Closed H-V Rec. Department facilities include:
• Aycock Recreation Center
• Aycock Aquatic Center
• Old Aycock Gym – indoor facility
• Fox Pond Park
• All satellite sites
• First Presbyterian Church
• Vance County Senior Center
• All playground equipment and structures
All outdoor parks (with the exception of Fox Pond Park), trails and tracks are open. While Fox Pond Park is currently closed, the walking trails are open and can be accessed from the trails at the back of the Aycock Recreation Center located at 307 Carey Chapel Road in Henderson.
Goolsby explained facilities were closed to follow CDC guidelines and NC Phase 2 directives of limiting social gatherings.
For free, outdoor exercise, Goolsby encouraged residents to enjoy a walk on the paved walking track that curves around four ballfields at the Aycock Rec. Center. Walking the paved track two times equals one mile.
Goolsby also said the parking lot at the Aycock Rec. Center is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and has been a popular place to walk during the shutdown. Walking the parking lot five times equals one mile.
In addition to offering outdoor exercise, the H-V Rec. Department staff has been busy planning virtual sessions for both youth and adults.
Virtual activities include:
• Weekly social media trivia contests focusing on the history of Henderson and Vance County
• Moving Mondays – dance/exercise class on Mondays at 10 a.m.
• Fall Prevention & Exercise Class – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
• Body Blast Exercise Class – Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program – Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:30 p.m.
• Virtual Bingo – Thursdays at 12:45 p.m.
• Do It Yourself Crafty Kids – drive-through style craft kit pick up available for $5 each
• Paint With DP – Facebook Live sessions with a prize offered for the best painting
• Recreation Rocks Scavenger Hunt – find and take pictures of hidden rocks around Henderson
• Skills & Drills – athletic training for youth
Please visit H-V Rec. & Parks’ various social media pages for more details on these events. New activities are added regularly, so check back frequently, and stay tuned to WIZS on 1450 AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com for updates.
To hear the interview with Goolsby in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
WIZS Local News Audio 07/22/20 Noon
/by John C. RoseWIZS Local News for July 22, 2020 at Noon
Your Community Voice
Rescued Kitten Prompts City of Oxford to Organize Animal Shelter Donation Drive
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, City of Oxford
The sound of faint meowing surprised Allen West and Roger Elliot, of the City of Oxford Street Department, as they were working to fix a damaged storm drain grate off of College Street on Monday, July 13.
After assisting Granville County Animal Control, the kitten, who has been dubbed Juniper, was rescued and taken to the Animal Shelter to be evaluated. He was extremely dehydrated and a bit ill, but all who have met Juniper have described him to be a very friendly kitten. He is currently being fostered until he is well enough to be put up for adoption.
The City of Oxford has been inspired by Juniper’s spirit and has started a donation drive in his honor. You can drop off items at City Hall located at 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.
Items needed include:
All donations collected will go to the Granville County Animal Shelter. The donation drive will run from August 3 – September 3, 2020.
It is essential to look after all of our neighbors, including the furry ones. Help the City of Oxford take care of Juniper and all the cats and dogs currently at our local shelter.
If you’re looking for a new addition to your family, consider adopting Juniper or one of his new friends at the shelter. Make sure to contact the Granville County Animal Shelter through their Facebook page Granville County Animal Shelter Friends to set up appointments for any adoptions.
Granville Board of Education to Hold Special Meeting on School Re-Entry Options
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools
The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at 2 p.m. The purpose of this meeting will be for the Board of Education to discuss School Re-Entry options and updates for the upcoming school year.
Due to the current statewide State of Emergency, and in order to protect the health and safety of board members, staff and the public, this meeting will be conducted electronically, with members of the public invited to view the live stream.
To join the live stream meeting, please use the following link: https://live.myvrspot.com/st?
To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.
Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5k Run/Walk Scheduled for July 25; Annual Festival Canceled
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Tommy Tucker, Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5k
The seventh annual Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5k Run/Walk will be held this Saturday, July 25, 2020, at 8 a.m. The rural and flat 5k route, a USAT&F certified course, starts and ends at 101 Ridgeway-Drewry Road in Norlina, near the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department.
Registration is $30, limited to 100 participants, required by July 24 and available online only at clockworkracetiming.com.
There will be no race-day registration, and packet pickup will be held on Saturday morning only beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Race day:
At this time, face coverings will be required pre-and-post event should social distancing not be possible.
Vance County GOP to Hold Grand Opening of Headquarters
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Vance County GOP
Chairman Dwight Fraizer and the Board members of the Vance County GOP cordially invite Vance County Republicans and all/any like-minded people to the official opening of the 2020 Vance County GOP Headquarters, located at 1700 Parham St. in the Corbitt building (between Cruzers and the Corbitt Depot) in Henderson.
The event will take place outside to provide for social distancing from 4 – 8 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020. Meet, Greet & Mingle time is designated from 4 – 5 p.m.
Free hot dogs and drinks will be available as long as supplies last, starting at 5 p.m. Music will be provided by Jimmy Barrier and the Cabin Pickers.
Featured speakers at the event will be:
* Sandy Smith, GOP candidate for the NC District 1 Congressional Seat
* Bruce LeGates, Pastor of Joy Christian Center Ministries
* Other GOP candidates (or their representatives)
Tents will be set up with GOP items and for voter registration if you have not yet registered to vote in Vance County or if you would like to switch your party affiliation to the Republican Party.
Town Talk 07/21/20: GRRO Offering Free, Healthy Meals to Local Youth
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Lucette Mercer, deputy director of the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
The GRRO, started by Henderson residents Henry Crews and Ardis Crews, is a part of the NC Rural Center’s Rural Food Business Assistance Project. This program offers technical training to agribusinesses and builds networks to support local farmers, value-added processors and foodservice businesses.
Partnering with city and federal agencies, the GRRO connects unemployed individuals to construction jobs that restore dilapidated homes and turn vacant lots into micro-farms that feed the community.
Mercer discussed Wellness on Wheels, the most recent initiative of the GRRO, in partnership with Vance County organizations to offer free, healthy meals for local children every Tuesday – Friday through at least August 31, 2020.
“We provide hot, healthy meals to kids 18 and younger in the community, free of charge, no questions asked and no issues,” explained Mercer. “You simply show up at the times and locations promoted and tell us how many kids you’re picking up meals for. We’re trying to find meals that are healthy, that kids want to eat and that parents feel really good about giving their kids.”
Grab-and-Go meals will be available Tuesday-Friday at the following locations and times:
Mercer said what started as 150 available meals has turned into 500 distributed daily as of this afternoon. That number will soar to 2,000 meals at this Friday’s event as organizers distribute enough meals to feed participating youth for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
“As more and more people are made aware of this resource in the community and, importantly, realize that it is a healthy food resource, more people are coming to us to fill that gap of getting good meals for their kids,” said Mercer.
For more information on the GRRO, and to stay up-to-date on its programs and events, please visit its Facebook page (click here).
To hear the interview with Mercer in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.